China releases condolence message

The Chinese Embassy yesterday released the following condolence message on the passing of Mahanayake of the Asgiriya Chapter of the Siyam Maha Nikaya:

It is with the deepest sadness to learn that Most Ven. Galagama Aththadassi Thero, Mahanayake of Asgiriya Chapter passed away on 9 March. The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China expressed the heartfelt condolence to the Buddhist community and the people of Sri Lanka, the statement said.

“Most Ven. Galagama Aththadassi Thero is a Buddhist scholar with many attainments and highly respected by the world Buddhist community. He has played a great role in promoting peaceful coexistence and reconciliation among various religious communities in Sri Lanka. He is a good friend of the Chinese Buddhist Community and has made great contribution to promote the Buddhist exchange and cooperation between China and Sri Lanka.” 

“Most Ven. Galagama Aththadassi Thero’s passing-away is a great loss not only to Sri Lanka but also to the world. The Chinese Embassy will make unremitting effort to promote the Buddhist exchange and cooperation between the two countries and deepen traditional friendship between the two peoples,” it added.